…While vitamin A is important to the body it can be toxic in high doses and can also have a drying effect so, if using retinol, you may want to include hyaluronic acid serum to lock in the moisture.

N.B. Facial Enhancement Acupuncture is contraindicated for patient’s actively trying for a baby, pregnant or breast-feeding and retinol should not be applied in any of these cases. Vitamin A is also not recommended for patients undergoing skin peeling procedures or taking medication prescribed for acne.

But what about our skin? Alongside eating foods containing high levels of Vitamin C, we can also take it in supplement form, but: ‘only a small fraction of it will eventually be biologically available and active in the skin.’ (Al-Niami, F (2016), para. 2) This isn’t to say that we mustn’t ensure a well-balanced diet, as it’s important on so many levels, but it leads us to seek out effective topical solutions too to boost it.

Vitamin C, the most abundant antioxidant in human skin, has been subject to a significant amount of research, which supports the use of cosmeceuticals containing it:

“Cutaneous benefits include promoting collagen synthesis, photoprotection from ultraviolet A and B, lightening hyperpigmentation, and improvement of a variety of inflammatory dermatoses.” (Farris, PK. (2005))

Its ability to promote new collagen helps to tighten the skin and reduce minor lines and wrinkles. Also, as we’ve discussed in previous articles, protection from UV rays, with their links to skin ageing, is of utmost importance.

The key when using Vitamin C topically is to use only highly stable products; often store brands can contain low quality vitamin C which quickly becomes pro-oxidant and damaging to the skin.

We would recommend Medik8 CE Tetra or C Tetra as they use the latest, highly stable vitamin c in their serums.

]]>https://www.facialenhance.co.uk/2018/02/benefits-topical-vitamin-c-application/feed/02546Study Suggests Cosmetic Acupuncture Modulates Water and Oil Contenthttps://www.facialenhance.co.uk/2018/01/study-suggests-cosmetic-acupuncture-modulates-water-oil-content/
https://www.facialenhance.co.uk/2018/01/study-suggests-cosmetic-acupuncture-modulates-water-oil-content/#respondMon, 29 Jan 2018 09:30:34 +0000http://www.facialenhance.co.uk/?p=2536A 2012 preliminary study* undertaken at the Department of Health, Tsukuba University of Technology in Japan, suggests that cosmetic acupuncture can modulate the water and oil content of the skin:

“These preliminary results suggest that cosmetic acupuncture increased the water and oil content of facial skin in a female participant whose water content and oil content were lower before receiving acupuncture than those of the mean values of women of the same age.” (Donoyama, N. et al. 2012, p.152)

It was deemed that acupuncture might therefore contribute to enhancing the appearance of the skin. A larger scale study is being prepared to further verify these findings.

From August to September 2011 a pilot study* was carried out at Kyung Hee University Hospital in Gangdong, Korea.

28 women aged between 40 – 59 received five sessions of facial acupuncture over three weeks.

The participants’ skin was measured before and after the treatments. There was a significant improvement in the ‘Moire Topography’ criteria, which is used to measure the facial contours and skin elasticity.

I recommend a course of ten regular Facial Enhancement Acupuncture treatments for my patients, to begin with, for optimum results, followed-up with maintenance treatments at greater intervals. It would be interesting to see further studies into facial acupuncture’s effect on skin elasticity, particularly the improvements after more treatments.

Remember to also keep hydrated, it’s one of the most important things you can do for your skin. To help boost this, I recommend the Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Serum at my clinic.

Facial Enhancement Acupuncture can be used to target the fine lines and wrinkles, age spots and improve your complexion. And the good news is that it can also help lift the face too, so even gravity gets a run for its money!

The one-day masterclass (pictured) is priced at £250 and we require a £50 deposit when you book. Here’s a brief outline:

1. Hands-On Training
You’ll cover the theory of Facial Enhancement Acupuncture and watch a demonstration of the full protocol in the morning and then it’s your turn to perfect the treatment in the afternoon by practising on one another.

2. Small Group Learning
There will only be a maximum of four participants, so you’ll have direct access to me throughout the day to answer your questions as they arise.

3. Master the Marketing
You’ll have the protocol, but what’s also important is how you’re going to get it out there. I was in sales and marketing for many years and I’ll share tips and techniques that will give you the tools to promote your new service.

If this feels like it’s just what you need to take your business to the next level in 2018, then I’d love it if you could join us.

As each masterclass is limited to four participants, be sure to book your place early to avoid disappointment.

Note: Transport can be arranged for travel from Truro city centre to the venue at Threemilestone, please let us know if this is required once you’ve booked your place.

“Last year, in addition to hypertension, Jolie developed Bell’s palsy, a result of damage to facial nerves, causing one side of her face to droop. “Sometimes women in families put themselves last,” she says, “until it manifests itself in their own health.” Jolie credits acupuncture for her full recovery from the condition.”

‘Bell’s palsy is an acute peripheral unilateral facial weakness or paralysis with an as yet unknown cause.’ (Xia, F. et al. 2011, p.1) At the time of writing a study was published highlighting the positive effect of De-Qi for patients with early onset Bells Palsy… Points included GB14, ST4, ST6, ST7 and TH17 on the affected side and LI4 on both sides. Six months following treatment, it was found that acupuncture with De-Qi ‘improved facial muscle recovery, disability and quality of life among patients with Bell palsy. Stronger intensity of De-Qi was associated with better therapeutic effects.’ (Xu, S.B. et al. 2013, p.5)

Facial Enhancement Acupuncture (FEA) is highlighted in the piece for its natural, anti-ageing benefits in a great interview with Jo Curle, our FACIALENHANCE® Affiliate acupuncturist for Newcastle:

‘I can confirm that Jo’s skin at age 40 looks better than mine at 27. When I ask Jo’s stance on Botox, she replies: “It is a toxin, and simply hasn’t been used long enough for us to see the potentially damaging effects of it building up in our system. It can also look quite harsh, whereas FEA is gentle and non-toxic. A course of treatment takes several weeks to administer, allowing the body time between sessions to build collagen and rejuvenate on its own.”’

“I am honored to have attended your online continuing education course! Thank you for having me and sharing some much needed perspective along with the wisdom only encompassed by a true professional. I feel truly enlightened.”~ Whitney Ellis, Five Element Acupuncture Theory Online Course, February 2017

We will explore each of the Five Elements in turn, unpacking such issues as; the gifts and challenges, the seasonal and climatic links, the time-frames, the influences of food and the Classical and practical discussions on the diagnostic tools of Colour, Sound, Odour and Emotion.

We will pay particular attention to each Element in turn as follows:

The Wood Element: With regard to such issues as – the diversity of Wood, the virtues of Wood. To include the phrases and expressions used by Wood C.F.’s.

The Fire Element: With regard to such issues as – relationships, communications and connection. The influence Fire has on intimacy and sexual aspects of life. To include the phrases and expressions used by Fire C.F.’s.

The Earth Element: With regard to such issues as – our connections to the mother within us, the importance of learning to say no, the importance of the home, the influence of routine, along with aspects of digestion. To include phrases and expressions used by Earth C.F.’s.

The Metal Element: With regard to such issues a – the spiritual links, the importance of respect quality and perfection, man’s relationship between heaven and earth, the influence of fairness, justice, and righteousness. To include phrases and expressions used by Metal C.F.’s.

The Water Element: With regard to such issues as – the diversity of Water, the virtue of wisdom. To include phrases and expressions used by Water C.F.’s.

Thereby, enabling us to recognise how these Elemental energetics manifest in our patients, and will in turn enhance our daily practice.

Booking
Michael and I very much hope that you can join us at one of our upcoming events this year. To book your place on a workshop and for further details of the course itself, please follow the course link or call us on 01726 883187.